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Peter A. Furley

Savannas have helped to shape the evolutionary pageant of human history and the dispersal of our ancestors across the continents. Although there is considerable controversy over the causes ...
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Savannas have helped to shape the evolutionary pageant of human history and the dispersal of our ancestors across the continents. Although there is considerable controversy over the causes and mechanisms of this evolutionary story, ecological, environmental, and genetic evidence suggests that human-like primates first arose in savanna sites within Africa. These habitats offered more open conditions of grassland and woodland that are believed to have stimulated the development of specific physical attributes and social behaviour leading to advanced and mobile societies. ‘Savannas and human evolution’ considers the origins of savannas, the origins and movements of people, and their dispersal and migration around the globe to Australia and the Americas. ...Less

Charles Sheppard

A quarter of the world’s reef system is already dead, and a further half is affected to varying degrees. ‘Doing something about it’ proposes two groups of measures to address this ...
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A quarter of the world’s reef system is already dead, and a further half is affected to varying degrees. ‘Doing something about it’ proposes two groups of measures to address this situation. First, the overall human impact on reefs, such as fishing intensity and pollution, needs to be managed. Second, some protected marine areas need to be demarcated, instead of all areas being used in sourcing food in haphazard and decreasingly effective ways. This would mirror systems already in place on land. The continued rise in the worldwide human population has put additional pressure on the reefs as a place to procure food. This means that reef degradation is no longer a just a scientific problem, but is now also a political and social one. ...Less

Peter A. Furley

What are savannas and where are they? ‘Savanna landscapes’ considers these dynamic and diverse biomes—the most widespread form of vegetation in the tropics and sub-tropics. They are areas ...
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What are savannas and where are they? ‘Savanna landscapes’ considers these dynamic and diverse biomes—the most widespread form of vegetation in the tropics and sub-tropics. They are areas covered by a nearly continuous grassy layer, interspersed with trees and shrubs of varying densities and heights, but their nature and distribution is affected by the local topography and is closely allied with continental evolution. Marked seasonal variation is characterized by unpredictably long wet or dry spells and there is a wide range of flora and fauna across the major continental savannas. There are numerous theories on the role of savannas in shaping the emergence and spread of human populations. ...Less

Peter A. Furley

Savannas form one of the largest and most important of the world’s ecological zones. Covering one-fifth of the Earth’s land surface, they are home to some of the world’s most iconic animals ...
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Savannas form one of the largest and most important of the world’s ecological zones. Covering one-fifth of the Earth’s land surface, they are home to some of the world’s most iconic animals and form an extremely important global resource for plants and wildlife. Savannas: A Very Short Introduction considers savannas as landscapes and explains the variety of the vegetation, wildlife, and environments. Discussing their origin, topography, and global distribution, it explores the dynamic nature of savannas and illustrates how they have shaped human evolution and movements. It goes on to discuss the unrelenting pressures that confront conservation and management, and considers the future for savannas. ...Less